The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic award program for high school students in the United States. The program was established in 1955 by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a non-profit organization, to recognize and honor academically talented students. The scholarship program is funded by a variety of sources, including corporations, foundations, and individuals.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a highly competitive program. In 2022, over 1.5 million students took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), and approximately 16,000 students were named National Merit Scholars. National Merit Scholars receive a scholarship of $2,500, and they are also eligible for a variety of other benefits, including scholarships from colleges and universities, and opportunities for summer internships and research experiences.